Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being carried off on a stretcher with a deep cut to the knee during the Premier League clash at Manchester City.

The 28-year-old France centre-back was hurt trying, in vain, to prevent City's second goal, scored by Alvaro Negredo five minutes before half-time in the lunchtime kick-off at the Etihad Stadium.

After receiving treatment on the pitch he was taken off and replaced by Thomas Vermaelen, with Arsenal swiftly confirming on Twitter: "The injury to Laurent Koscielny is a deep laceration. £MCFCvAFC."

Arsenal have a busy festive programme coming up, with five crucial games in the space of two weeks.

They host Chelsea in a top-of-the-table clash on Monday December 23, before playing West Ham, Newcastle and Cardiff in the league. On Saturday January 4 they meet rivals Tottenham in the FA Cup third round.